(ぶれいこう)

ぶれいこう
noun
dropping formalities; party without rank distinctions
1. dropping formalities; setting aside rank; party where everyone is equal
A gathering where the usual hierarchical etiquette between seniors and juniors is temporarily suspended, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy themselves as equals. Common at company drinking parties.
今日(きょう)無礼講(ぶれいこう)()きましょう
Let's drop the formalities today.
The department head said 'no formalities tonight,' so everyone started drinking in a relaxed manner.
Even if they say 'no formalities,' you'd be in big trouble if you actually used casual speech with your boss.

Usage

無礼講(ぶれいこう) literally means "no-rudeness lecture" — a gathering where rudeness (breaking rank) is permitted. It is commonly declared at company ()(かい) (drinking parties) and 忘年会(ぼうねんかい) (year-end parties).

Important cultural note

In practice, 無礼講(ぶれいこう) is often a polite fiction. While the boss may declare the gathering 無礼講(ぶれいこう), employees are still expected to maintain a degree of respect. Truly dropping all formality with superiors can still cause problems.

Common collocations